Retrospective study of the clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in 9 patients

INTRODUCTION

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease caused by autoantibodies to type VII collagen. The clinical presentation is variable, with skin and mucosal lesions that can cause significant dysfunction. Different treatment options exist, but the results are often unsatisfactory.

OBJECTIVE

To review all the cases of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) diagnosed at our hospital over a 26-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of EBA in 9 patients.

RESULTS

Mean age at presentation was 37 years and 66.67% of the patients were women. EBA occurred in association with malignant tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders. The most common variant was inflammatory EBA (6 of the 9 cases). In all 9 patients, histology revealed a subepidermal blister and direct immunofluorescence showed linear deposits of immunoglobulin G and C3 in the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence performed on salt-split skin substrate was positive in 6 patients and showed a dermal pattern in all cases. Five patients were tested for autoantibodies to type VII collagen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with positive results in 2 cases. Immunoblotting using recombinant noncollagenous domains (NC1) of type VII collagen was positive in all 6 cases in which it was performed. Response to treatment was variable.

CONCLUSIONS

EBA is a rare disease with a variable clinical presentation that can be confused with that of other subepidermal blistering diseases. Correct diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion and the use of all available diagnostic tests. Thorough evaluation of cutaneous and mucosal involvement and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment will ensure the detection and prevention of dysfunction and treatment-related complications.

[Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds: report of a new case and review of literature]

Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds is a rare disorder characterized by a recurrent sterile pustular rash mainly affecting the skinfolds, scalp, and periorificial regions such as around the external auditory meatus. Few cases have been reported in the literature, most of them occurring women and all of them associated with some immunological disorder, the most common being lupus erythematosus. We present a new case of amicrobial pustulosis of the folds in a woman; the only immunologic abnormality detected was an elevation of immunoglobulin E. We have also reviewed the 35 cases reported in the literature.

[Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome in a patient with cutaneous symptoms and a c.1429 C > T;p.R477X mutation in exon 12 of the folliculin gene]

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by the presence of fibrofolliculomas, renal cancer, pulmonary cysts, and spontaneous pneumothorax. Recently, the folliculin gene responsible for this process has been identified, located on the short arm of chromosome 17. We present the case of a 49-year-old man with multiple whitish papules on the face, neck, and retroauricular area. Histology was compatible with fibrofolliculoma and genetic study showed a pathogenic mutation of the folliculin gene.

[Diagnosis and treatment of livedo reticularis on the legs]

The term livedo reticularis refers to a reddish-violet reticular discoloration of the skin that mainly affects the limbs. It is caused by an interruption of blood flow in the dermal arteries, either due to spasm, inflammation, or vascular obstruction, and is associated with diseases of varying etiology and severity. To establish the cause of livedo reticularis, it is essential to determine its course (chronic, acute, or fulminant), the presence of other cutaneous signs such as nodules, retiform purpura or necrosis, and the possible association of general symptoms or laboratory findings that suggest a particular systemic process. The aim of this review is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

[Practical management of the most common autoimmune bullous diseases]

Autoimmune bullous diseases are relatively uncommon and their treatment -- although generally similar -- may vary depending on the dermatologist. Within this group of diseases, the most common are pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, bullous and mucosal pemphigoid, linear immunoglobulin A disease, and dermatitis herpetiformis. In recent years, the therapeutic arsenal has been extended by new drugs, some of which have changed the prognosis of these diseases. This article describes current management protocols for these processes as indicated in the literature and derived from the experience of specialized clinics for bullous diseases. We also present the findings from an Internet survey on therapeutic approaches in pemphigus vulgaris answered by more than 40 dermatologists who work primarily in Spanish hospital clinics.